Anthony DePrato

ANTHONY DEPRATO

CIO at St. Andrew's Episcopal School

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I am based in Jackson, Mississippi. I am the Chief Information Officer covering both of campuses.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

I started in 2009 in the UAE. From there I worked in China, South Korea, and then the USA. I have always worked in private schools at very large campuses. 

As a CISSP-certified CIO, I leverage my extensive experience in IT, IT strategy, data analytics, and project management to drive digital transformation and enhance overall business performance for a growing organization. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a globally recognized standard of achievement in the field of information security. The certification covers a broad range of topics, including security management practices, security architecture and design, and telecommunications and network security.

With 15 years of leadership and management experience, I am passionate about creating safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. As a dedicated school administrator, I have a proven track record of effectively managing daily operations, developing solid relationships with students, parents, and faculty, and implementing innovative programs to enhance the academic experience for all.

I hold a Master's degree and have extensive knowledge of current best practices in K-12 Education. I have demonstrated success in budget management, curricular development, and communication with all stakeholders. I am committed to creating a positive school culture and fostering a love of learning in students.

I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, and the community to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where every student can reach their full potential.

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

I didn't really have a vision. I just fell into the track. 

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

Not really. I try to read a lot and learn from history.

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

I think we are going to see a reversion from the cloud. I believe we will have more opportunities with hybrid infrastructure. Technology leaders will need to be a bit more hands-on with a background in software management and development. This will be economically driven.

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?

I come up with personal projects and build things. Then, I will share this with others outside of my workplace and gather feedback.

What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?

A massive failure of current solutions providers forcing us to management systems differently.

"If it is popular and in the news it is already over."

If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?

If it is popular and in the news, it is already over. Look ahead.

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

I am interested in developing new technology and possibly marketing it.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

The cost of energy.

A big thank you to Anthony DePrato from St. Andrew's Episcopal School for sharing his journey to date.

If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.